Routes, Planning, & Inspiration for Your North American Road Trip

Bobby Barnhart knows that being the preacher's
son and a new kid in town might invite problems, but
he never expected to be hung upside down and naked in
his neighbor's privy. That encounter was just the first
of many with the town bullies, but it introduced him
(embarrassingly) to his strongest ally, Mrs. Dowdel.
Readers of Peck's earlier award-winning books, A
Year Down Under and A Long Way From Chicago,
will recognize the wily, crafty old woman. The Barnhart
family, Bob, his older sister Phyllis, younger sister
Ruth Ann and their parents have moved to the small mid-western
town so that Bob's father can take a job as a minister.
The year is 1958, and while the country is not experiencing
a depression, many people exist just barely above the
poverty level. The Barnharts are no exception. Until
his father can assemble a congregation to support the
church, Bob's family has a meager income, but Mrs. Dowdel
makes them forget their poverty. Although she seems
to be cantankerous and unapproachable, Mrs. Dowdel proves
that her kindness, resourcefulness and generosity are
only outdone by her sense of justice and fair play.
Each of the Barnharts becomes the benefactor of one
or more of Mrs. Dowdel's gifts and since the book takes
place in the days leading up to Christmas, the title,
A Season of Gifts, is most appropriate.

Richard Peck's dialogue, plot and descriptive
prose combine to create a delightful audio book that
listeners of all ages will enjoy on first reading and
will want to hear again. For some, it may become a traditional
holiday experience with its message of hope and charity-a
book to listen to while decorating, baking and wrapping
gifts. However, as irascible as she appears to be, Mrs.
Dowdel embodies the spirit of kindness and concern for
mankind that outlasts the fruitcake and the Christmas
tree. Her no-nonsense approach to life and humanity
serves as a moral compass all year long. Ron McLarty's
narration makes the listener feel like an actual inhabitant
of Bob Barnhart's rural community, because his representation
of the characters brings each to life in unforgettable
detail. This is a perfect audio book for a family, because
listeners of all ages can relate to the situations the
characters encounter in the quaint rural community.
It invites discussions of what life was like before
modern conveniences or without the benefit of discretionary
income. Thought provoking and entertaining-a superb
combination.